Dave retired from the RAF in 2004 in the rank of Squadron Leader and later that year took up the civilian post of the station health and safety officer at RAF Boulmer.

During his time there, he has proactively managed health and safety for the Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) Forces’s northern sites stretching from Northumberland to the Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Islands.

In 2006, the Safety Health & Environmental Protection office were awarded an Air Officer Commanding Team Commendation and in 2012, Dave was awarded an Air Officer Commanding individual commendation.

Following a farewell presentation last week, Dave said: “I’ve been lucky to have had a long, happy and rewarding career both in the Royal Air Force and as a civil servant.

“Of all my periods at RAF Boulmer, totalling more than 21 years, this one has been the best and most rewarding, mainly because of the fantastic support I have been pleased to receive from many of you over the past 11 years.

“I wish RAF Boulmer and all of you all the best for the future.”

Dave is married to Sheila, has two sons, Andrew and Christopher, and four (soon to be six) grandchildren.